No head massage or neck cracks, says Army to its barbers

A complimentary head massage and a ‘neck crack’ from the barber is how a session at the saloon ends for most men in India.

However, the Jodhpur-based 12 Corps of the Indian Army has frowned on this practice and has issued an advisory to its barbers to discontinue it as it could cause serious injury.

“Personnel & dependents may be cautioned against getting head massage/neck crack at saloons. Army dressers be advised not to perform these maneuvers (sic) on their clientele,” the advisory issued by the medical unit of 12 Corps headquarters on April 22 states.

The 12 Corps functions under the Southern Command, which is headquartered in Pune.

Southern Command spokesperson confirmed that the advisory which was self-explanatory had been issued. It was signed by Lt Col A Surana on behalf of the officiating Brigadier (medical).

It said that while delivering the neck crack, the barber holds an individual by the chin and turns the neck sharply to the left and the right. “People get it done because they find it relaxing and believe that it’s a good practice to keep the neck ‘loose’,” the note said, stating that this could be potentially dangerous.

It could damage the phrenic nerve that controls the diaphragm which in turns controls breathing. It can also lead to dissection of the vertebral artery, the advisory said.

Army personnel were cautioned that the neck crack that barbers ritually perform after a haircut can cause long term damage to neck joints and surrounding tissues and muscles and may lead to onset of cervical spondylosis and osteoarthritis at a later stage.

It advised that this information be disseminated in all the ranks of the armed forces “by way of roll call and Sainik Sammelans so that the dependents may also be educated during the welfare meets,” the advisory said.